Can I Prevent Acne?

t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 4:14 pm Post subject: Can I Prevent Acne?

Contrary to what you may have heard, acne is not caused by dirty skin, eating chocolate, or drinking lots of soda. Acne is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin. These glands become stimulated when puberty hormones become active. Some people have more of a reaction to their hormone levels than others, which is why different people have different levels of acne.

Although there is no surefire way to prevent acne, there are several ways to help reduce the number and severity of your breakouts.

Washing your skin is essential (it helps remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells that can clog your pores), but washing too much can actually cause damage by overdrying your skin or irritating existing acne.

Remember to wash after exercising because sweat can clog your pores and make your acne worse. If you work around greasy food or oil or if you've been sweating from heat or because you've been working hard, wash your face and other acne-prone areas as soon as possible.

If you use skin products, such as lotions or makeup, look for ones that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means that they don't clog pores.

If you can't live without your hair spray or styling gel, be sure to keep them away from your face as much as possible. Many hair products contain oils that can make acne worse.

If you get acne on areas such as your chest or back, avoid wearing tight clothes, which can rub and cause irritation.

Treatments
Some teens find that over-the-counter products can help clear up acne. It may take some time to find the one that works best for you - some may not do the trick and others may cause irritation. Over-the-counter acne products come in different strengths; the typical acne-fighting ingredients are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

If you find over-the-counter products aren't working for you, it's best to seek a doctor's advice. A doctor can prescribe special gels or creams, pills, or a combination of both. It may feel a bit awkward or embarrassing to talk about your acne with someone, especially a stranger, but your doctor is trained to help get your skin looking its best.

What about pimples you already have? It's tempting, but popping or squeezing a pimple usually won't get rid of the problem. Squeezing can actually push infected material and pus further into the skin, which can lead to more swelling and redness (not what you want before a big date!), and even scarring, which can be permanent.

If you are taking a prescription acne medication, finish your entire prescription even if your skin clears up, unless your dermatologist says you can stop. If you stop too early, there's a chance your skin could break out all over again.

Eating nutritious foods can help keep you healthy of course, and your skin will benefit from getting enough vitamins and minerals. But the bottom line is that you don't need to be obsessive about what you eat or how often you wash your face to control acne. If you don't find an over-the-counter product that works for you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist for some advice on living through the acne years.

Updated and reviewed by: Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH

a.ma.li.na · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 9:06 pm Post subject:

What is acne? What I mean is what does it look like?

aNnE · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:42 am Post subject:

Aleen93,
Acne is like a zit?? pimple? the painful dot that appears in your face that is sometimes red and painful???

NiCA-ChAN · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 11:15 am Post subject:

same question like Aleen too!!!!!
what is the meaning of Acne?
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t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:09 pm Post subject:

That's how acne looks like. It is worst than pimple. You can get them even on your back. That's why we should always shower properly and keep our face clean at all time.
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Nobody’s p e r f e c t,
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Shilpa · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject:

that looks horrible!! my poor face may get that thing if i'm not careful!! aiyee!!
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a.ma.li.na · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 6:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Hui Xian. Maybe I should use my face wash often. Thanks again for the tip!

a.ma.li.na · Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 6:33 pm Post subject:

Here is some interesting facts that I found in the net;

Stress may make acne worse, because when you're stressed, your pores may make more sebum. Luckily, for most people, acne gets better by the time they are in their twenties.

If you're worried about acne, there are things you can do to keep those pimples away:

* To help prevent the oil buildup that can lead to acne, wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser.
* Don't scrub your face. Scrubbing can actually make acne worse by irritating the skin. Wash gently, using your hands instead of a washcloth.
* If you wear makeup, moisturizer, or sunscreen, make sure they are "oil-free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic."
* When you wash your face, take the time to remove all of your makeup.
* If you use hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face because they can clog pores.
* If you have long hair, keep it away from your face and wash it regularly to reduce oil.
* Baseball caps and other hats can cause pimples along the hairline. Avoid them if you think they are worsening your acne.
* Wash your face after you've been exercising and sweating a lot.
* Try not to touch your face.
* Don't pick, squeeze, or pop pimples.

lil_cookie--[killer] · Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 3:06 am Post subject:

This is a HELPFUL thread to everyone who gets ZITS or PIMPLES!
I can easily get pimples, and Im trying to get rid of this tiny blackheads on my nose Icon_favorites42

I have always used Nivea Visage Young and hopefully it is good enough to prevent Acnes!

BTW, dry air can make it worser.
Like here in Norway!
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t h e . d r e a m e r · Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 4:54 pm Post subject:

What Is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term for the physical and emotional symptoms that many girls and women get right before their periods begin each month. If you have PMS, you might experience:

*acne
*bloating
*fatigue
*backaches
*sore breasts
*headaches
*constipation
*diarrhea
*food cravings
*depression or feeling blue
*irritability
*difficulty concentrating
*difficulty handling stress

PMS is usually at its worst during the 1 to 2 weeks before a girl's period starts, and it usually disappears when her period begins.

Doctors have not pinpointed the exact cause of PMS, but it seems to be linked to changing hormone levels. During the second half of the menstrual cycle, the amount of progesterone (a female hormone) in a girl's body increases. Then about 1 week before her period starts, levels of both progesterone and estrogen (another hormone) drop dramatically. The thinking is that these different hormone levels can lead to PMS symptoms. There are also theories that what you eat can affect how you feel, especially during the couple of weeks before a girl gets her period.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to ease PMS symptoms. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting back on processed foods like chips and crackers can help. You might also want to reduce your salt intake (salt can make you retain water and become more bloated) and, believe it or not, drink more water. Say no to caffeine (it can make you jumpy and anxious) and yes to certain vitamins: B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E are thought to be helpful. Also, daily exercise and stress-relief techniques like meditation can help some girls.

When it comes to medicine, over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen can relieve achy heads and backs. But for really serious PMS pain, see your doctor. He or she might be able to prescribe a different medicine or birth control pills to help with many of your PMS symptoms.

Why Do I Get Cramps?
Lots of girls have abdominal cramps during the first few days of their periods. Cramps are most likely caused by prostaglandins (pronounced: prass-tuh-glan-dunz), chemicals your body produces that make the muscles of the uterus contract. The good news is that cramps usually only last a few days. But if you're in pain, medicine like ibuprofen may help.

Exercise may also make you feel better, possibly because it releases endorphins, chemicals in the body that literally make you feel good. Soaking in a warm bath or putting a warm compress on your stomach won't make your cramps disappear but may help your muscles relax a little. If you have severe cramps that keep you home from school or from doing stuff with your friends, visit your doctor for advice.

Why Isn't My Period Regular?
It can take up to 3 years from the time a girl starts menstruating for her body to develop a regular cycle. Even then, what's regular varies from person to person. Girls' cycles can range from 21 to 45 days.

Changing hormone levels might make your period short one month (such as 2 or 3 days) and more drawn out (such as 7 days) the next. You might skip a few months, get two periods almost right after each other, have a really heavy period, or one so light you almost don't notice it. (If you're sexually active and you skip a period, though, you should visit your doctor or a women's clinic to make sure you're not pregnant.)

All this irregularity can make planning for your period a real hassle. Try to keep track of when your last period started, and guess that about 4 weeks from that day you could be due for another. If you're worried about wearing that cute dress and suddenly starting your period at school, just make sure you pack protection. Carry a pad or tampon in your backpack, and wear a pantiliner to handle the first wave.

When it comes to periods, every girl's body has a unique (and unpredictable) timeline for getting on track. If your period still has not settled into a relatively predictable pattern after 3 years, or if you have four or five regular periods and then skip your periods for a couple of months, make an appointment with your doctor to check for possible problems.

Why Haven't I Started My Period Yet?
Everybody goes through puberty at different speeds. Some girls begin menstruating as early as age 8 or 9; others don't get going until they're 15 or 16. It all depends on your hormones - and your family. Want to guess when you'll get your period? Ask when your mom and grandmothers (from both sides of your family) started theirs. When you start puberty is partly linked to genetics. So although there's no guarantee that you'll follow in their footsteps, your relatives could give you a pretty good clue about your own period.

One thing that can delay puberty - and your period - is excessive exercising, usually distance running, ballet, or gymnastics, combined with a poor diet. For exercise to be excessive, it means more than just playing soccer for a couple of hours a few times a week or working out once in a while with an exercise tape. To exercise so much that you delay your period, you would have to train vigorously for several hours a day, most days of the week, and not get enough calories, vitamins, and minerals.

Unless compulsive exercise has postponed your period, there's nothing you can do on your own to hurry things along. If you haven't started to menstruate by the time you're 16, consult your doctor. He or she will probably do a pelvic exam and take a blood test to determine the hormone levels in your body. Then the doctor might prescribe hormones to jump-start your cycle.

Menstrual Problems
Although most of the strange stuff that goes along with a girl's period is completely normal, there are a few conditions that can be more serious. If you suspect you have any of these conditions, see your doctor for advice.

Amenorrhea (pronounced: a-meh-nuh-ree-uh) is the absence of periods. Girls who haven't started their periods by the time they are 16 may have primary amenorrhea, usually caused by a hormone imbalance or developmental problem.

There's also a condition called secondary amenorrhea, when someone who had normal periods stops menstruating for at least 3 months. Low levels of gonadotropin-releasing (pronounced: go-nah-duh-troh-pun) hormone (GnRH), which controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle, frequently bring on amenorrhea. Stress, anorexia, weight loss or gain, stopping birth control pills, thyroid conditions, and ovarian cysts can all throw your hormones out of whack. To get everything back on course, your doctor may use hormone therapy. As mentioned earlier, lots of strenuous exercise combined with a poor diet can also cause amenorrhea. Cutting back on exercise and eating a balanced diet with more calories will help correct the problem, but be sure to talk with your doctor as well.

Menorrhagia (pronounced: meh-nuh-ray-jee-uh) is the term doctors use for extremely heavy, prolonged periods. Menorrhagia is more than just 1 or 2 days of a heavier-than-average flow. Girls who have menorrhagia soak through at least a pad an hour for several hours in a row or have periods that are more than 7 days long. (Clotting during your period is not necessarily a sign of menorrhagia, though - lots of girls, with both heavy and light periods, pass clots when they menstruate.)

The most frequent cause of menorrhagia is an imbalance between the amounts of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Because of this imbalance, the endometrium (pronounced: en-doh-mee-tree-um, the lining of the uterus) keeps building up. Then when the body gets rid of the endometrium during a period, the bleeding is very heavy.

Many girls have hormone imbalances during puberty, so it's not uncommon to experience menorrhagia during the teen years. Other cases of heavy bleeding may be caused by thyroid conditions, blood diseases, or inflammation or infections in the vagina or cervix. To help figure out the cause of abnormal bleeding, a doctor can do a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, and blood tests. If you do have menorrhagia, it can be treated with hormones, medicine, or removal of any growths in the uterus that may be the cause of excessive bleeding.

Dysmenorrhea (pronounced: dis-meh-nuh-ree-uh) is the medical term for very painful periods. Primary dysmenorrhea - painful periods that are not caused by a disease or other condition - is more common in teens than secondary dysmenorrhea (painful periods caused by a disease or condition).

The culprit in primary dysmenorrhea is prostaglandin, the same naturally occurring chemical that causes cramps. In large amounts, prostaglandin can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, backaches, diarrhea, and severe cramps when you have your period. Fortunately, these symptoms usually only last for a day or 2. Doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines to treat primary dysmenorrhea. As with cramps, exercise, hot water bottles, and birth control pills might also bring some relief.

Some of the more common conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include:

endometriosis (pronounced: en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis), a condition in which tissue normally found only in the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus
pelvic inflammatory disease, a type of bacterial infection
fibroids or growths on the inside wall of the uterus
All of these conditions require that a doctor diagnose the problem and then treat you appropriately.

What to Do if You Suspect a Problem
When you have questions about your period or anything else related to your development, talk to your doctor. This is particularly true if you notice a change in your menstrual cycle. Though most period problems turn out to be nothing to worry about, it's always good to be safe.

See your doctor if:
*You have not started your period by the time you are 16. This may indicate that you have a problem that requires medical attention.
*You stop getting your period or it becomes really irregular after it has been regular for a while (like 6 months or more). This can be a sign that you may have a hormone imbalance or a problem with nutrition, which can harm your body if left untreated.
*You have very heavy or long periods, especially if you have a short cycle and get your period frequently. In rare cases, lots of blood loss can cause anemia (iron deficiency) and leave you feeling really weak and tired.
*Your periods are really painful. You might have endometriosis or benign growths that should be removed. Or if you're sexually active, you might have pelvic inflammatory disease.

Chances are that your painful periods are nothing to worry about. But if there is something going on, the sooner you get it taken care of, the sooner you'll be on your way to feeling great again.

Updated and reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: October 2004
Originally reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD, and Jonathan A. Schneider, DO

_________________

Who said I wanna be P E R F E C T??

Nobody’s p e r f e c t,
You just have to learn to l o v e that.

You know what I wanna be?
I just wanna be ME!

SparkleDream · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:06 pm Post subject:

My cousin just has many acne I think, shes got them all over her face AND her shoulders, backs etc.
But she always washes her face. I think she has them because she washes her face too much with cleansers for her skin and stuff because the stuff she uses feels so oily.
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Ashley · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:08 pm Post subject:

i dont want to have an acne!
the boy looks horrible! Rolling Eyes

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SparkleDream · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

My cousin(s) (yes theres two) look worse.
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lil_cookie--[killer] · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 4:05 pm Post subject:

I have a friend who has her face full of acnes XD
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i ♥ Jack the Ripper
nananananananana
BATMAN!

Y.R.P are my heroes.